A CNN correspondent was caught in the middle of chaotic anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles after federal agents deployed pepper balls to disperse demonstrators, causing the journalist to cough and choke live on air.
The incident occurred on Friday night during CNN’s OutFront with Erin Burnett, when correspondent Veronica Miracle was reporting from outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles.
The protests were part of a nationwide “ICE Out” shutdown, organised to oppose immigration enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security.As Miracle described the escalating situation on the ground, she was suddenly hit by the chemical irritant fired by ICE agents.
“I just got hit,” she exclaimed, audibly struggling to breathe and coughing heavily. At one point, she apologised to the anchor, saying, “I can’t breathe,” as pepper spray lingered thickly in the air around her and the surrounding crowd.
CNN Reporter in Los Angeles: I just got hit pic.twitter.com/wNxZm0V7C0— Acyn (@Acyn) January 31, 2026
Despite the discomfort, Miracle continued reporting, detailing an unusually intense scene. She said protesters had managed to overwhelm a line of Department of Homeland Security officers — something she noted was unprecedented in her years of covering protests in the area.
According to her account, demonstrators pushed officers back toward a loading dock and eventually forced them inside the federal building.“There was some pepper spray used, bottles were thrown, but ultimately the protesters overtook the property,” Miracle said, adding that police usually prevent demonstrators from breaching federal grounds.
She also highlighted the apparent lack of law enforcement presence managing the crowd as tensions peaked.During the broadcast, viewers could see an isolated officer in the background being targeted with thrown objects, while agents continued firing pepper balls to push protesters back.
Anchor Erin Burnett repeatedly urged Miracle to take her time and ensure she was safe before resuming her report.The Los Angeles Police Department later declared the gathering an “unlawful assembly” and confirmed the use of pepper balls and tear gas to disperse crowds.
The protests marked the culmination of a day-long demonstration that began earlier at City Hall.The dramatic live broadcast underscored the volatility of the protests and the risks journalists face while covering unrest on the ground.
